Abstract: This invention provides a finely ground biomass material used to create biomass-containing plastics having a smooth surface, while also preventing creation of unwanted color including those created by the Maillard reaction which results from a combination of sugars, protein, heat and acid or base chemicals. The present invention also provides for methods to prevent agglomeration of small particles into larger particles which can produce irregular surfaces on biomass-based plastics, including thin film plastics, especially thin film plastics less than 4 mil and other thin film plastics that can become too large to use in thin-film plastic production. For the purpose of this invention, plastic resins can be any gas or liquid hydrocarbon or fermentation-based resins.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for refining native biomass to extremely fine and highly disrupted particles using high shear and/or cavitation in combination with high temperature and high or low pH conditions which dissolve biomass to a high percentage. The method of the present invention results in a high percentage of hydrolysis, in many cases near theoretical levels, in short residence times while minimizing inputs over other methods, using low chemical inputs, and optionally with no chemical inputs in certain stages compared to existing processes. The method of the present invention also uses minimal electrical energy inputs and conserves heat energy within the process and reduces equipment requirements while producing concentrated products.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for refining native biomass to extremely fine and highly disrupted particles using high shear and/or cavitation in combination with high temperature and high or low pH conditions which dissolve biomass to a high percentage. The method of the present invention results in a high percentage of hydrolysis, in many cases near theoretical levels, in short residence times while minimizing inputs over other methods, using low chemical inputs, and optionally with no chemical inputs in certain stages compared to existing processes. The method of the present invention also uses minimal electrical energy inputs and conserves heat energy within the process and reduces equipment requirements while producing concentrated products.

Abstract: A method for pretreating and disrupting cell structure of biomass by subjecting the biomass to high pressure, thereby disrupting the cell structure of the biomass is provided. Also provided is a device for performing the method, wherein the device includes a cavitating device and a cell structure disrupting device disposed within the cavitating device for disrupting the cell structure and exposing the internal cell structure to enzymes.

Abstract: A method for recycling cellulase enzymes. Also provided is a method for producing fermentable carbohydrates, plant leaf protein, and lignin, by adding a cellulase enzyme complex expressed from and on irradiated cellulase complex-producing organisms with sufficient radiation to kill biological activity without destroying all cellulase enzyme complex activity to biomass. The fermentable carbohydrates produced by the method. Also provided are irradiated cellulase-producing organisms for use in converting biomass to fermentable sugars, plant leaf protein, and lignin. A method for producing cellulase enzymes for glucose and other sugar production and protein and lignin extraction by irradiating cellulase-producing organisms, thereby producing the cellulase enzymes is also provided. A system for producing fermentable carbohydrates, plant protein, and lignin, said system comprising irradiated cellulase-producing organisms and biomass is provided.